Assange supporters held outside embassy

2012-08-16 13:16

London — Scotland Yard says it has arrested a handful of people outside the Ecuadorean Embassy in London as supporters gather to defend WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

A police spokesperson said three people have been arrested. He didn't give a reason, but an Associated Press reporter at the scene saw several people being dragged away from the embassy after refusing police orders to move across the street on Thursday.

Police and protesters converged on the embassy in the upscale Knightsbridge neighbourhood of London on Wednesday night after the Ecuadorean government accused Britain of threatening to "assault" the mission if Assange weren't handed over.

Assange has been holed up in the building since 19 June in a bid to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he's wanted over allegations of sexual misconduct.

Meanwhile, Britain has told Ecuador that it would refuse Assange safe passage out of the country even if Quito grants him asylum, reported AFP citing official notes on Thursday.

"We must be absolutely clear this means that, should we receive a request for safe passage for Mr Assange, after granting asylum, this would be refused," Britain's charge d'affaires told Ecuador's government, a note of the meeting showed.

Comments

gerhard.kress.3 - 2012-08-16 13:45

Assange now cannot do much damage holed up in the embassy.

stefan.kruger.1297 - 2012-08-16 14:34

GO ASSANGE!!!! Your the first of many to come!! hahaha!! Hell yes!! I cant wait!! ladies and gents, this year is the year where WE THE PEOPLE will take over the government!! they DONT OWN US!!! We need more of Assange in South Africa!!